Do you know the old adage,

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”?

I think it’s true. It’s better to solve problems BEFORE they happen than it is to wait until problems arise and then fix the damage they’ve caused.

Proactive versus Reactive.

That’s why ServiceOne offers a ClubOne membership specifically for the plumbing in your home.

You may already have a ClubOne membership for your heating and air conditioning, but do you have one for your home’s waterworks? Our plumbing plan is a different program designed to give you peace of mind that your water systems are safe and operating at maximum efficiency.

A yearly plumbing inspection is worth the money for 5 reasons:

ONE: Early Detection of Leaks and Water Damage:

Water leaks can be a homeowner's nightmare, causing extensive damage to property and leading to costly repairs. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), household leaks can waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water annually in the United States alone.

If you have a dripping faucet or a leaking spigot, your money is going down the drain. Literally. You’re paying for water that you’re losing and not using. One study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) revealed that plumbing supply system failures are the leading cause of residential water damage incidents.

When left undetected, leaks can damage walls, floors, and ceilings, promoting mold growth and compromising the structural integrity of the house. The cost of repairs for water damage can quickly add up, with an average claim cost of $10,000, as reported by the American Insurance Association. By conducting yearly plumbing inspections, homeowners can identify hidden leaks, such as dripping faucets or pipe leaks.

(How many times do you really go check the sink in the upstairs guest bathroom to make sure it’s not dripping? Have you knelt down to look under your water heater to check for leaks? Have you gone around to all the outdoor spigots to verify that they are completely dry?)

Annual plumbing inspections will do all of that – and much more - preventing water damage, mold growth, and potentially expensive repairs.

TWO: Prevention of Costly Plumbing Emergencies:

Emergencies are emergencies because they happen unexpectedly. Many of us are surprised when they happen and devastated by the financial burden they place on us.

Plumbing emergencies cause water damage, the second most common insurance claim in the United States, according to the American Insurance Association. By proactively addressing plumbing issues through regular inspections, homeowners can prevent these emergencies and avoid the associated costs.

For instance, a burst pipe can cause extensive water damage to walls, floors, and furniture, and repairs can cost thousands of dollars. A study conducted by Chubb Insurance highlighted that 90% of all water damage claims could have been prevented using a simple shut-off device or an alarm system. Yearly inspections by qualified plumbers allow homeowners to identify and address potential problems with preventative solutions before they escalate into major emergencies, saving significant money in repairs and insurance claims.

THREE: Improved Water Efficiency and Reduced Utility Bills:

Water efficiency is not only environmentally responsible but also financially advantageous for homeowners. The EPA states that an average household can save up to 10,000 gallons of water per year by fixing leaks promptly. Moreover, the Alliance for Water Efficiency estimates that water leaks can account for 10% or more of an average household's water bill.

Common sources of water waste include leaky faucets, running toilets, and inefficient plumbing fixtures. By conducting yearly plumbing inspections, homeowners can identify and resolve these inefficiencies, leading to substantial water savings and lower utility bills over time. Plus, investing in repairs or upgrades during the inspection process can positively impact the environment and result in long-term cost savings for homeowners.

FOUR: Safeguarding Health and Promoting Hygiene

Plumbing issues can pose health risks to homeowners and their families. About 7.2 million Americans get sick every year from diseases spread through water. While many of those diseases occur from public swimming pools or contaminated bodies of water, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights that waterborne diseases can spread through contaminated water sources, often resulting from plumbing problems. Legionnaires' disease, for example, is a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling aerosolized droplets of contaminated water.

Other illnesses occur from what’s known as a “biofilm.” A biofilm is a slimy substance that occurs when amoeba, bacteria, and fungi live together in water heaters, storage tanks, and water pipes. Water isn’t moving rapidly, and the biofilm prevents chlorine from cleansing the water.

Lung, blood, skin, eye, and brain infections have been linked to harmful germs that may grow in plumbing systems unless they are properly maintained. (Even putting your contacts in a drop or two of contaminated water can cause eye infections.)

Most people are not affected by some of the waterborne illnesses, but the elderly, the immune-compromised, and smokers are susceptible.

FIVE: The Cost of Typical Plumbing Repairs or Problems:

Get this.

In 2019, 88% of homeowners in America were forced to make at least one major repair to their homes. The average cost of repairs and improvements was $4958…almost FIVE GRAND.

Wouldn’t it make more sense to check for small problems before they become major ones?

Do you know if all your toilets are flushing and filling appropriately? Would you happen to know what the correct water pressure is for your home and where to check it? How often have you inspected your washer hoses and shower valves? Is your home up to code?

Leaking faucets. Burst pipes. Clogged drains. Running toilets. Aging water heaters. Broken sewer lines. Washer hoses gone made. Every one of these common problems costs money and causes you stress and headaches.

ServiceOne can help you prevent these problems with a ClubOne Plumbing Plan where you get a complete plumbing inspection every year. Our qualified plumbers check EVERYTHING, from your garbage disposal to your emergency shut-off valve and more. Price is based on the type and number of water heaters you have.

Prices start as low as $11 a month.

I don’t know about you, but $11 a month would be worth it to keep from having a major plumbing emergency, and it’s way less expensive than a $5000 repair later.

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” to be sure!

Call us.